The following article: Be Red Cross Ready II-Flu Checklist is adopted from “Apheresis Heroes” the newsletter of the American Red Cross in the Massachusetts Region, winter 2009 issue. Part two will focus on flu symptoms and what to do if someone you know is sick with the flu. See Be “RED CROSS” Ready part I for information on how to avoid getting sick.
What is the Flu?:
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses. In the US, there is a flu season that begins every fall and ends every spring. The type of flu people get during this season is called seasonal flu. Flu viruses spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and as long as 5 days after getting sick.
I think I have the Flu!
Do I have the Flu?
Be aware of common flu symptoms:
- High fever
- Severe body aches
- Headaches
- Extreme tiredness
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
- It may be difficult to tell if you are suffering from the flu or another illness-Your health care provider may be able to tell you if you have the flu. If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about possible complications, consult your health care provider.
Note: Having all of these symptoms doesn’t always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses have similar symptoms.
What should I do when someone is sick?
- Designate one person as the caregiver
- Keep everyone’s personal items separate. All household members should avoid sharing pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils unless cleaned between uses
- Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace
- Wash everyone’s dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap
- Wash everyone’s clothes in a standard washing machine as you normally would. Use detergent and very hot water and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry
- Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up bodily fluids
Visit www.redcrossblood.org to learn how you can help keep us all safe-Want to donate blood? Sign up here also.
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